When it comes to creating waves or curls, or simply taming frizz and flyaways, few styling tools are quite as useful as that old reliable the curling iron. From famous beauties like Megan Fox to – quite literally – the girl next door, you would be hard-pressed to find a woman who doesn’t rely on her curling iron to create at least one of her signature hair looks. But where do hot rollers enter into the equation? Which one is the better styling aid?

For the most part, the best curling irons are preferable to a set of hot rollers for one big reason: Versatility! While hot rollers can only be used for one purpose – to give your hair a kicky curl – curling irons can help you create spirals, waves, ringlets, and even straighter, smoother locks. Curling irons are easier to use and more comfortable for most women, and they take far less time, since you don’t have to wait for the iron to cool the way that you do with hot rollers.

Curling irons like best hair irons come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can select the iron you need based on the kind of look you’re planning to create, while most women only own one set of hot rollers. If you want truly gorgeous hair, choose the same tools that the professionals do: High quality curling irons.